TALKING POINTS: The flag of Gino Pozzo is unfurled by the Rookery End ahead of kick-off

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Watford ended the three-game losing streak with a dominant performance and a deserved victory against West Ham United.

Will Hughes put Watford ahead early in the first-half and Richarlison made it two midway through the second period.

Heurelho Gomes did produced a couple of wonderful saves to keep Watford ahead before half-time, but it was a performance similar to the displays at Bournemouth and Southampton and suggests the recent defeats were a blip, rather than the start of a decline.

Here are our talking points from the game.

Heurelho Gomes heroics

Heurelho Gomes rescues Watford

After keeping three clean sheets in the first four games of the Premier League season, Watford's defence had become somewhat leaky.

They conceded 18 goals in the next seven games, including six against Manchester City, four against Chelsea and three at Everton.

But yesterday they made sure it was not eight games without a clean sheet and they had Heurelho Gomes to thank for that.

The Brazilian made three top class saves – one of them was arguably world class – to make sure the Hornets went into the break one goal up.

His first action was to rush off his line and dive low to his right to push a Cheikhou Kouyate shot round the post, but the double save from Marko Arnautovic was the really memorable moment.

The Austrian's header wrong-footed Gomes, he managed to stick a hand out and claw it away, only for it to fall at the feet of Arnautovic who seemingly had to score.

But Gomes managed to deny him for a second time with his leg, flinging it up in the air whilst still on the floor to preserve Watford's lead.

After the nightmare debut Orestis Karnezis endured two weeks ago, it was another reminder why Gomes is still Watford's No.1.

A mention for Joe Hart, too, who produced a save of similar quality to keep out an Adrian Mariappa header in the second half.

Debutant shines

Zeegelaar performed well on his debut

One name Watford fans did not expect to see on the teamsheet prior to kick-off was Marvin Zeegelaar.

The 27-year-old had not featured for the first-team since signing from Sporting Lisbon on deadline day as cover for Jose Holebas.

He had played for the U23s and in some behind-closed-doors friendlies, but did not appear to be close to breaking into the side.

Jose Holebas' difficult day at Goodison Park saw the door open for Zeegelaar and he certainly took his chance against West Ham United.

There was plenty of space for Watford to exploit down both flanks and Zeegelaar got forward regularly, producing some good deliveries from the left.

Defensively he was strong and up for the battle – as his clash with Andy Carroll showed.

Jose Holebas has been a virtual ever-present since the start of last season, but he faces a battle to win his spot in the team back on the basis of this performance.

Will Hughes – man of the match?

Hughes scores his first Watford goal

There will have been plenty of neutrals watching the game on Sky Sports questioning why Will Hughes was making only his second start of the season.

The 22-year-old was named as Sky Sports' man of the match; he gave Watford the lead with a calm finish in the area and played Richarlison through for Watford's second.

Throughout the game – just as he was for the first hour at Everton – Hughes was involved in almost everything good that the Hornets did.

He was always happy to receive the ball and take responsibility for creating chances – the five chances he did create is the most of any Watford player in a game this season – and linked up well with those around him.

Silva said that the 'patience' they showed with Hughes is now being rewarded and that is a fair assessment.

He has had plenty of time away from the spotlight and pressure of games to get used to Watford's style, prepare himself for the pace of the Premier League and now, much like Zeegelaar, he has grabbed his chance with both hands.

Bench

The Hornets' bench looked particularly strong

Whilst some were unsure of Watford's side pre-game, one thing that was certain was the strength of the bench.

It was a real showcase of the quality Watford and Marco Silva now have at their disposal.

All of them could play every week for Watford if they were at the top of their game.

And there were a number of Watford players who, for different reasons were not even in the squad: Troy Deeney (suspended), Nathaniel Chalobah (injured), Isaac Success (injured), Younes Kaboul (injured), Craig Cathcart (injured) and Daryl Janmaat (dropped).

There are so many options for Silva to consider every week now, which is certainly a good thing.

Each of them offer something different too and when everyone is available, Watford are undoubtedly a top ten side.